Eucalyptus Productivity Increase in China Comes From Newly Afforested Plantations

Abstract

Eucalyptus trees are a major fast-growing species in southern China. The ecological problems associated with constantly developing new Eucalyptus plantations have been the focus of extensive debate. In this study, we used spatial analysis and geostatistical methods along with four continuous national forest resource inventories and meteorological data to analyze dynamic changes in the distribution of Eucalyptus plantations in China. The productivity levels of Eucalyptus plantations were compared at different time periods by measuring annual mean productivity in permanent sample plots to provide baseline data related to the scientific management of Eucalyptus plantations. Results showed that the area of Eucalyptus plantations increased constantly in China from 1998 to 2013, expanding from 60.7 × 104 hm2 in 1998 to more than 445.5 × 104 hm2 in 2013. The productivity of Eucalyptus plantations was positively correlated with temperature and rainfall, but negatively correlated with elevation. However, these changes did not necessarily indicate an improvement in the management quality of Eucalyptus plantations, because they were mainly caused by an increased in the proportion of newly reclaimed areas for Eucalyptus afforestation and the constantly decreasing area of original Eucalyptus plantations, to which sufficient attention must be given.